Child-Friendly Local Governance (CFLG) in Karnataka

Fulfilling the vision of Child-Friendly Local Governance (CFLG) in Karnataka, BREADS joined hands with UNICEF in 6 districts namely Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Ramanagara, Mandya, Chitradurga, and Davanagere. As a first step, the concept of CFLG was introduced to various stakeholders (including the Panchayat head, ward members, Panchayat Development Officers, ASHA workers, Anganwadi teachers, etc.) and selected children in the gram panchayat.

Nearly 240 stakeholders across the 6 districts have undergone intensive training on the following aspects:

• Concept of Child-Friendly Local Governance
• Bal Sabhas – their formation, composition, roles, responsibilities, objectives, functions, and principles
• Child rights
• Makkala Gram Sabhas and how to organise them effectively

Almost 1900 children across the 6 districts also underwent a one-day training programme on the same topics, in addition to enjoying sports and recreational activities organised for them.

The first-phase of these trainings are intended to ensure the participation and protection of the children in these selected places. The upcoming second round of training will focus on other aspects:

• Importance of allocating funds for children’s development
• Addressing children’s issues through Makkala Grama Sabahs
• Making Makkala Grama Sabhas effective and the panchayat child-friendly